Buy a cell phone or laptop in the 2000s? Here's how to file for a piece of $45M

People are eligible for a piece of a $45 million settlement if they purchased any lithium-ion, battery-operated item during the 2000s through May 31, 2011.

Author:
Andrew Krietz , WTSP

Published:
10:19 AM EDT October 25, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- If you purchased a cell phone, laptop, power tool or some other device that operates on lithium-ion batteries, there is about a month left to claim a portion of a class action settlement.

And who hasn't bought one of those products?

People are eligible for a piece of the $45 million settlement if they purchased any lithium-ion, battery-operated item during the 2000s through May 31, 2011.

The settlement is meant to end a lawsuit between major battery companies, alleging they conspired to fix battery prices for more than a decade.

According to the website, the final payment amount will be based on how many valid claims are received and how many products were purchased. A final receipt -- proof of purchase -- of those products is not required to file a claim.